Not guilty plea in Ohio in Navy charity scam case

CLEVELAND (AP) — A recently captured fugitive suspected of running a scam that collected millions in donations Navy veterans has pleaded not guilty to state charges in Ohio.

A judge in Cleveland refused to set pretrial release bond for the man who calls himself Bobby Thompson. Authorities don’t believe that’s his name and have been unable to identify him.

The judge says she’s not satisfied the defendant would appear in court if he’s released on bond. He was arrested last week in Portland, Ore., by U.S. marshals after nearly two years as a fugitive.

Authorities believe he defrauded donors of up to $100 million in 41 states since 2001, including $2 million in Ohio. A fraction of the money has been found.

The charges include racketeering, money laundering and identity theft.